Number three batsman Amla, 24, reached his fourth hundred before he was run out but the tourists piled on the score before they were 540 all out an hour after tea.

India raced to 82 without loss in reply at stumps, Virender Sehwag unbeaten on 52 and fellow opener Wasim Jaffer on 25.

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher scored 70 before his dismissal after tea saw off-spinner Harbhajan Singh claim the last three wickets to finish with five for 164.

Amla hit 20 fours facing 262 balls and added 99 runs for the sixth wicket with Boucher, and batted close to seven hours.

Openers Neil McKenzie (94) and skipper Graeme Smith (73) had provided a solid start on day one with a 132-run partnership.